Input on Residence Inn Maingate

[mt mommy]

We're wanting to take our 2 kids and MIL next January. Wondering if any Dissers have stayed in the Family Suite at the Residence Inn, and wanting any input you might have!!

Thanks in advance!

 

[canuck13]

Although we were not in the family suite (we had the studio) we just returned from spring break with our kids (4+7) and it was an excellent hotel. Very friendly and helpful staff and great facilities. The breakfast started early enough that we could be at the park when it opened and my kids loved the pool. It is about a 15-20 minute walk and there is an ART pickup at the end of the parking lot if you don’t feel like walking. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Turtle31]

Hi,
We are going to stay there in May- just booked and I will be happy to answer any questions when we get back. I have done alot of research (I get disney obsessed!!) the hotel is listed as the number 1 (non-disney) property on trip advisor.com - there are a ton of reviews on their website if you would like to read.
I also had a friend who stayed there. Some of the things she said she found to be good were, that the hotel provided grocery delivery - you just fill out a shopping list turn it in by 9 am and they do the shopping for you (at no up-charge). For the social hour from 5-7 she said they have a menu in the room telling you what the function will be. One night she said they grilled hot dogs and had chips by the pool. One night they had a taco bar and one night they had an ice cream social, the pool is 24 hours and heated (great for Jan.)
My friend also said that at the breakfast she was able to take fruit, yogurt and extras back to her room and put them in the full size fridge for the little ones to have some snacks when returning from the park.

Hope this helps ~ Donna

 

[blackjackdelta]

We have stayed there numerous times over the last few years and usually stay in the Penthouse suite(6 of us). Other than the GC we have not found a place better. The walk is less than 15 minutes for us. Room was always clean and the staff willing to bend over backwards to help. PM me if you have questions. It may take me a couple of days to answers since I am not in the US at present.

Good luck,

Jack

 

[grizbuzz]

I'm booked there for the end of April. Can anyone comment on the 1 bedroom versus the studio? We're a family of 4. Will the studio be ok or should we spend extra for the 1 bedroom?

 

[Turtle31]

I'm booked there for the end of April. Can anyone comment on the 1 bedroom versus the studio? We're a family of 4. Will the studio be ok or should we spend extra for the 1 bedroom?

After looking at pictures of both of the rooms - these are the questions that will help you make your decision (maybe !)

The studio has one queen bed, it is out in the open, and there is not a tv other than the one in the living room area. The question is Do you and your hubby prefer to have a bedroom door for privacy? Are you going to want to be able to watch tv in the room after putting kids to sleep on sofabed? Mine like to watch cartoons to fall asleep and we will like having a door and tv of our own.
Also the one bedroom suite has a fireplace - not sure if this makes any difference!! The difference in the space is less than 100sq feet. So it really is just preference of tv and door to me.
Hope that helps some !!

 

[mt mommy]

Hi,
We are going to stay there in May- just booked and I will be happy to answer any questions when we get back. I have done alot of research (I get disney obsessed!!) the hotel is listed as the number 1 (non-disney) property on trip advisor.com - there are a ton of reviews on their website if you would like to read.
I also had a friend who stayed there. Some of the things she said she found to be good were, that the hotel provided grocery delivery - you just fill out a shopping list turn it in by 9 am and they do the shopping for you (at no up-charge). For the social hour from 5-7 she said they have a menu in the room telling you what the function will be. One night she said they grilled hot dogs and had chips by the pool. One night they had a taco bar and one night they had an ice cream social, the pool is 24 hours and heated (great for Jan.)
My friend also said that at the breakfast she was able to take fruit, yogurt and extras back to her room and put them in the full size fridge for the little ones to have some snacks when returning from the park.

Hope this helps ~ Donna

Donna,
You have been soooo helpful!! All of this is GREAT info!! I think we'll for sure stay there. Do you know if the rooms in family suite have a door to that can be closed for some of the beds? Our MIL will be coming......

 

[mt mommy]

All of you have been so great and provided great information to help influence my decision.

THANKS!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Donna,
You have been soooo helpful!! All of this is GREAT info!! I think we'll for sure stay there. Do you know if the rooms in family suite have a door to that can be closed for some of the beds? Our MIL will be coming......

Call their 1-800 number and they will be very helpful with all your details.

Jack

 

[Turtle31]

Donna,
You have been soooo helpful!! All of this is GREAT info!! I think we'll for sure stay there. Do you know if the rooms in family suite have a door to that can be closed for some of the beds? Our MIL will be coming......

Well it looks like the way to go with the MIL will be the 2 bedroom suite. It is 800 square feet. It has two separate bedrooms (each with a door!!) and then a sofabed pull out in the living room. Sleeps up to 6 total. The suite has three tvs, three phones,two bathrooms (so MIL can have her own). This room is a little more pricey .. but maybe your MIL will pick up the bill !!

The Bi- loft is also an option .. but it looks like the 2nd bedroom is upstairs and a loft, so there for not a door that closes and if people doorstairs are noisy or have lights on I have read on tripadvisor that it can be a problem for some. I personally would just throw a pillow down at them and say SHUT UP !!! But that is just me


A couple more things I had not thought of to share are: They do offer a shuttle, I called, it runs every twenty minutes and it cost 3.00 for 9 and up, 1 dollar for under 9 - and that is for all day unlimited rides.
They have a desk where you can go and check out board games and puzzles to do with your kids. They also have equipment for tennis,and basketball. It says that Monday and Wednesday night are family acticity nights in their clubhouse.
Oh and more more thing, they do NOT charge to park in the parking lot. I have checked a lot of area hotels and most charge and where from 17-20 a night to park there even though you are a guest. My guess is so that they can keep out extras, in the end that makes your room 20 more......

 

[blackjackdelta]

Well it looks like the way to go with the MIL will be the 2 bedroom suite. It is 800 square feet. It has two separate bedrooms (each with a door!!) and then a sofabed pull out in the living room. Sleeps up to 6 total. The suite has three tvs, three phones,two bathrooms (so MIL can have her own). This room is a little more pricey .. but maybe your MIL will pick up the bill !!

The Bi- loft is also an option .. but it looks like the 2nd bedroom is upstairs and a loft, so there for not a door that closes and if people doorstairs are noisy or have lights on I have read on tripadvisor that it can be a problem for some. I personally would just throw a pillow down at them and say SHUT UP !!! But that is just me
I agree. The parking is tight but adequate until you get a few monster vehicles parking in the same area(I wonder about folks depth of perception.) We have checked out a number of places over the years and this place works best for us. With the 6 of us(15-61) the hot breakfast, managers specials, grocery shopping saves us both time and money while we are there. Subtract those expenses from your room rate. I have also made friends with the management over time and last year we paid $139/night mid August just by asking for a discount.

Best of luck,

Jack